How to Improve My Lawn's Spring Green-Up?

What Is Spring Green-Up?

As January comes to a close, it's natural for homeowners to take note of their lawns' appearance. You notice uneven color in your lawn and wonder about when it is going to return to a vibrant green. Spring green-up marks the time when your lawn revives from winter dormancy, usually from mid-March to early April. During this phase, your lawn undergoes a burst of growth and color. Different lawns awaken from dormancy and below are some tips to improve your lawn at this time of year.

Root Zone Temperatures

‍In Northern Virginia, lawns generally start greening up when soil temperatures consistently stay around 50 degrees. Warmer temperatures at deeper soil levels provide better conditions for lawns with extensive root systems, leading to earlier green-up. You can check real-time soil temperatures in your zip code with tools like Syngenta's soil temperature monitor. HERE

Because the depth of your lawn's root system determines when your lawn comes out of dormancy, focusing on developing a deep root system is key. Cultural practices like mowing 3"-4" H throughout the growing season and irrigating deeply and infrequently promote a deeper root system on your lawn.

The Role of Fall Fertilization

‍Fall and winter fertilization also plays a crucial role in enhancing spring green up. Once shoot growth of the plant has slowed around mid-November, the nutrients provided with late fall fertilization contribute to root develop and the storage of energy that will help your lawn survive and emerge from dormancy in the spring. Our Simply Turf fertilizers are specially formulated to support this process.

Location, Location, Location

You will most likely be wondering at some point in March "why is it green in that part of the lawn over there, while still brown over here?" Grasses near concrete and asphalt often green up earlier due to warmer conditions as these structures retain heat from the sun. Many things can create a warmer microclimate in your lawn that contribute to an earlier green-up including reflective heat from siding, areas that are protected from the elements from trees and shrubs and full-sun vs shade. It is important to understand this as you evaluate your lawn in the early spring as it begins to green-up.

New Construction Homes

‍Newly constructed homes usually have lawns with less-prepared soil and compacted sub-soil, resulting in slower green-up. Implementing good cultural practices, regular fertilization, and topdressing with organic compost can accelerate root development and improve green-up timing. We highly recommend our compost topdressing services for new construction lawns as it helps to improve the soil structure and stimulate soil biology. This service done at the same time as aeration can help to loosen up the compacted soil and promote a deeper root system.

We hope this information assists you in achieving a lush, green lawn this spring. If you're seeking a dependable lawn care company, we'd be thrilled to assist you. Contact us for more information or service pricing!

Thank you, and here's to a beautiful lawn season ahead!

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